PINE HILL – On Monday, March 2, the Pine Hill Police Drug Unit along with ABC agents were conducting a joint undercover drug operation in Pine Hill, which led officers and agents to the Kimbrough area.

Officers knew of an impending drug deal in the area and planned to intercept and arrest the drug dealers for illegal narcotics distribution and possession. Officers converged on the scene and blocked the suspect’s vehicle.

Pine Hill Officer Mundie then ran around to block the vehicle, which tried to back up, but other officers had him blocked. With Mundie in front of the vehicle, the suspects sped forward. The officer fired shots as he retreated backwards, protecting himself. The car turned, missing him, and tried to go around a building, but there was no place for them to go. At that point, both suspects in the vehicle gave up and were arrested without further incident.

The driver was charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana (first degree) and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

The passenger was charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Seized was a large amount of “crack” cocaine, marijuana, scales to weigh illegal narcotics, a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu and $705 in U.S. currency.

“As chief of police, I was called to the scene,” said Pine Hill chief John Brown. “I completed an investigation of the incident and, with statements from officers and state agents of what happened, all actions of Officer Mundie were proper and there was no wrongdoing by any officer. Just by the drug dealers.”

More arrests are expected.

“This operation is our continuous effort to stop the illegal narcotics trade in our area that are infecting our children and communities,” Brown said. “It is still my No. 1 promise to the good and decent citizens to do what I can to stop it. Our community is better off with the drugs and the drug dealers off the street. I appreciate the cooperation of the ABC board agents, and I commend them in their efforts to also help stop illegal narcotics in our state.”